Long Branch, NJ – Pavel Katsen, a revered U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling coach, has passed away at the age of 79. Katsen, who coached the U.S. team at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, died on the night of September 10, 2024, in Long Branch, New Jersey.
Katsen’s coaching career was marked by his pivotal role in U.S. Greco-Roman wrestling. Under his leadership, Dennis Koslowski secured a bronze medal in the 100 kg category at the 1988 Olympics. Katsen’s contributions extended well beyond that single achievement, with several of his athletes placing in the top 10 during the Seoul Games.
Katsen began his journey with U.S. wrestling in 1979 when he emigrated from the Soviet Union and settled in Oregon. His influence on the sport in the U.S. was profound, transforming Oregon into a hub for Greco-Roman wrestling. He initially worked with youth wrestlers, quickly earning recognition for his coaching skills, which led to his involvement in national and Olympic-level competitions.
A pioneer of U.S. Greco-Roman wrestling, Katsen was part of the coaching staff for multiple international events, including the 1984 and 2000 Olympic Games, where the U.S. team made significant strides on the global stage. His work at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles contributed to the U.S. team winning its first Olympic medals in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Throughout his decades-long career, Katsen coached athletes in prestigious competitions worldwide, including the 1985 World Championships, where Mike Houck became the first American wrestler to win a Greco-Roman world title.
Katsen’s legacy extends beyond the wrestling mat. He was admired not only for his technical expertise but also for his character, kindness, and ability to form deep connections within the wrestling community.
Many shared their thoughts and memories of Pavel Katsen on Facebook, reflecting on the impact he had on their lives.
Dan Russell shared, “In 1979 Pavel Katsen entered our wrestling room and made an agreement, ‘You teach me English, and I teach you Greco Roman wrestling.’ He helped me find success at the highest levels of the sport. I woke up to this message, ‘U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman coach Pavel Katsen, 79, passed away last night.’ He will be greatly missed.”
John Finnigan commented, “A great man and coach,” while Michael Andrew Carolan added, “Great coach and great guy!”
Gary Moore expressed sympathy with “Sorry Dan,” and David Wolfe recalled, “Pavel transformed Oregon wrestling into a Greco hub for a decade.”
Eric Albarracin simply referred to him as a “Pioneer,” acknowledging his groundbreaking influence in the sport.
Pavel Katsen will be laid to rest on Thursday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m. at the Freehold Hebrew Cemetery in New Jersey. His legacy will continue to inspire wrestlers and coaches for generations to come.